In the heart of Caprarica di Lecce, a small town where conversation and civic memory hold deep roots, an evening of literary dialogue unfolds in Piazza Vittoria. The Rassegna Corti Narranti brings author Carmine Fotia to the square, inviting the community to revisit a pivotal chapter of Italian political history through his book Scusaci Bettino.
An Evening of Political Memory and Reflection
This isn't a lecture—it's a conversation. Carmine Fotia sits alongside Alessandro Delli Noci and Paolo Greco, with Hon. Biagio Marzo opening the evening. Together, they unpack the layers of a political era that shaped modern Italy, inviting questions, debate, and personal recollections from those gathered in the piazza.
The event captures that distinctly Italian blend of intellectual rigor and communal warmth, where ideas are passed around like bread at the dinner table. Expect frank exchanges, occasional laughter, and the kind of storytelling that only comes when authors step off the page and into the crowd.
Why This Book, Why This Town
Caprarica di Lecce may be small, but it's a town that pays attention. Hosting a book discussion on Bettino Craxi here is a deliberate choice—a recognition that political history belongs to everyone, not just to capital cities or university halls. Fotia's work reexamines one of Italy's most polarizing political figures, and the dialogue format ensures multiple perspectives are heard.
The setting in Piazza Vittoria adds an informal, accessible dimension. Attendees sit under the evening sky, surrounded by the sounds of the town winding down for the night—shutters closing, scooters idling, the occasional greeting shouted across cobblestones.
What to Expect from the Discussion
- Direct engagement with the author—questions are welcomed, not scripted
- Insights from Alessandro Delli Noci and Paolo Greco, who bring their own expertise to the conversation
- A thoughtful introduction by Hon. Biagio Marzo, contextualizing the evening within current civic discourse
- An atmosphere that balances serious reflection with the warmth of community gathering
- The chance to hear local voices respond to national political memory
Making an Evening of It in Caprarica
Arrive early and take a slow walk through the town's historic center. The streets are quiet, the pace unhurried—perfect for settling into the reflective mood the evening invites. After the discussion, many linger in the piazza or drift to nearby cafés, continuing the conversation over a glass of local wine.
Caprarica di Lecce sits just a short drive from Lecce itself, so combining this literary event with a visit to the baroque city center makes for a rich cultural day. The contrast between Lecce's grandeur and Caprarica's intimate scale deepens the experience of both.